The Hewes' shaft was deserted; but Uncle Nathan, when he reached the air, climbed to a high point where he could look into the eastern valley. He shook his fist out over the silent woods and meadows. "I'll be even with you, you cowardly rascals!" he exclaimed. "You'll account to me for every bit of it, Mason Hewes, I'll warrant ye." He dashed his hat and his wig upon the ground, and stamped upon them in his wrath. Suddenly from behind a clump of bushes came three men, walking quickly forward. They were Mr. Mason Hewes, his cousin the tall man carrying the rifle, and a stranger. They came quite close before a word was said. In the mean time Daniel Frothingham and Mr. Wyeth had placed themselves on Uncle Nathan's either hand, while Cloud had thrown back his coat, showing a big horse-pistol thrust into his belt. "I beg pardon," said Mr. Hewes, stepping ahead of the others. "But some one called my name a moment since; have any of you gentlemen aught to say to me?" He bowed politely, but his face was pale, and it was evident that he was restraining himself only by a great effort. Uncle Nathan put his hand to his bald head. The absence of his wig appeared to disconcert him, and it was his brother who answered first. "Yes," said Uncle Daniel. "Here is one who has something plain to say. You are a villain, sir. I am Daniel Frothingham, much at your service." Again Mr. Hewes bowed. "You are an old man," he said. "But guard your words, I pray of you." "I need guard no words when talking to a traitor," half shouted Uncle Daniel. "A traitor to what or whom, may I inquire?" said Mr. Hewes, lifting his eyebrows. "To your King," was the rejoinder. "I have heard of your rebellious speech." "We may have no King here shortly," replied Mr. Hewes; "and in saying so I am but far-sighted. Still I warn you, guard your words!" Nathaniel had by this time recovered his wig and his composure, although he looked redder than ever. "This is _my_ quarrel, brother," he said, turning first to Daniel and then to his hated neighbor. "Look here, you sneering rebel, _I_ am not too old, and _my_ words shall not be guarded at your orders," he added. "Hold," said Mr. Hewes; "no need of further talk; do you mean to force a meeting with me?" "Whenever and wherever you may choose," responded Uncle Nathan. "This is my cousin and my young friend, Lemuel Roberts; they will wait upon you," said Mr. Hewes, waving his hand towards his companions. Stilted recognitions followed, and some whispering. "To-morrow morning, then, at the spring in yonder hollow," announced one of the suddenly appointed seconds. Bows were exchanged, and the two parties walked away and descended the opposite slopes of the hill. Cloud, the overseer, was evidently delighted with the unexpected turn of affairs. But the rest of the party walked on in silence.